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Landing a Startup Job: Anna Walsh’s Job Search Success Story

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Everyone’s job search story is different, but each individual story can inspire and empower others who are on their own unique path. We love to hear how our readers have found rewarding careers in Portland, and we want to share these stories with you to inspire you in your job search and to help us all better understand the local job market!

Meet Anna Walsh, a startup enthusiast who was laser-focused in the kind of job she was looking for. Here’s Anna’s story.

Describe the work you do?

I work at a startup company called TryFleet where I wear many hats. On a typical day, I might talk to customers, manage accounts, use a CRM, build provider relationships, speak another language, problem solve, open IT tickets, send marketing campaigns, and give product feedback, the list goes on.

How long did it take you to find this job?

9-12 months

How did you find your job? What resources did you use? What tool or tactic helped the most?

Honestly, like most job searchers, I used anything I could get my hands on. The least helpful was LinkedIn (no shocker there!) and the most effective were networking, Mac’s List, and AngelList. I also suggest getting on the listserv/newsletter for those agency job boards you a have an eye on.

What was the most difficult part of your job search? How did you overcome this challenge?

The most difficult aspect was staying motivated to apply to jobs consistently while knowing no one would ever get back to me. I had mentors, network connections, a good resume, trilingual skills, and of the 150 jobs I applied for, I only ever heard back from a handful, and of that handful, I only had two telephone interviews and two in-person interviews.

I can’t honestly say I overcame it. It was extremely disheartening – not because I wasn’t landing interviews, but because of the lack of courtesy in our current job market. It was and is still impossible to know how close I was to getting a call back at any given point. Even after a final interview wherein the hiring managing said to my face, “Really great Job” and “We’re looking forward to being in touch”, I never heard back, even after I repeatedly called and emailed. Not even a rejection letter.

What is the single best piece of advice you would offer other job-seekers?

Don’t apply to jobs online before you have a reason to apply. Just don’t do it. Take those hours of your life and learn a skill, attend a networking event, volunteer at the org you want to work for, get a job as a barista until you can network your way into something.

Why do you love your job?

I love startup culture, real startup companies, and the hustlers who work there.